A Westie pup from Bournemouth has undergone emergency surgery from vet charity PDSA after being brutally attacked by three Rottweilers while walking with his owner at a beauty spot.

Eighteen-month-old Buddy was under anaesthetic for an hour-and-a-half following an attack at the town’s Upton Heath Nature Reserve. He sustained serious injuries including a broken leg, a deep gash on his abdomen and puncture wounds all over his body.

His owner Kate* needed hospital treatment for bite wounds to her hand and shoulder, and a cracked rib. Her elderly mother was also injured as they desperately tried to protect Buddy from the three dogs.

Discussing the incident, Kate said: “We were enjoying our walk and were about 10 minutes from home when we noticed a couple with three dogs in the distance. I saw the largest of these dogs stop and stare at us, going very still.

“I said to my mum ‘I don’t like the look of this dog’ and within seconds it was charging at us. I picked Buddy up as the dog started jumping up.

“One of the owners came over but his other two dogs saw him running, raced ahead of him and knocked us both to the ground.”

In the ensuing chaos, Kate lost her hold on Buddy and he was attacked by all three dogs. Kate was bitten on her hands and shoulders as she tried to pull him out. The owner fled with the Rottweilers when the attack came to a stop.

Police were called and Kate was taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries, while her mother rushed Buddy to receive emergency veterinary treatment.

PDSA vet, Paul Cossey, said: “Buddy was in a terrible state when he arrived, still in shock after his ordeal.

“He had broken his leg and had a large wound across his abdomen, which fortunately hadn’t penetrated into his organs, as that could have proved fatal.

“After his complex surgery he was hooked up to a morphine drip to control his pain.”

Buddy was allowed to go home the following day but has been back regularly for follow-up treatment to help him recover.

Kate is hugely grateful for the care Buddy has received from PDSA.

She said: “They have been amazing and a huge support. The treatment Buddy has received has been first class.

“Buddy’s wounds are starting to heal now but the psychological scars will last a lot longer. I’m now terrified to take him on walks and Buddy is a nervous wreck. Any slight noise he jumps out of his skin, I’ve even had to put a sign up asking people not to press the doorbell as it upsets him.

“People need to have control of their dogs, especially if they’re a danger to other pets or people.”

Anyone with any information about the attack, which happened on Wednesday, 6 June, is asked to contact Dorset police by calling 101.

PDSA says positive early life experiences are essential for ensuring puppies develop in to friendly and sociable adult dogs. They emphasise the importance of owners socialising their puppies in the first few weeks and months of life to prevent future problem behaviours such as aggression.